There are a lot of reasons why people journal. From dream journals to travel journals and prayer journals to gratitude journals, we keep certain journals for certain areas of our lives.
A journal does not necessarily require a specific subject or topic like writing your own thoughts. When it is a question of keeping a daily journal, stereotypes of Napoleon Dynamite and Sweet Valley High spring to mind; the “Dear diary” bit is a thing for the awkward recluse or high-school sweetheart. Others see journaling merely as something that is not valued or important in itself but can be useful in achieving an aim.
However, science says otherwise and continues to dismiss skepticism. If you’re still unaware of the life-changing benefits of daily journaling, the following points will help you understand the importance of keeping a journal.
#1. It Boosts Your IQ
Yes, quite a heated argument, but strong case studies support the claim that daily journaling can boost your IQ.
According to a report, writing as a part of someone’s language learning process has a strong relationship with their intelligence.
The same report suggests that journaling is like a language exploration, you'll naturally want to learn new words, which, in turn, boosts your vocabulary. It is also stated that vocabulary, as measured via intelligence tests, is one of, if not, the best single measure of intelligence.
#2. Helps in Achieving Goals
Daily journaling often involves your dreams, ambitions, passions, life goals, etc. yet the notion that written words will help someone achieve their goals is fanciful, and understandably so.
However, think of building a home with no blueprint. That should make more sense.
Writing down your goals tells your brain "you must do it!" The reticular activating system (RAS) in your brain then signals all the relevant opportunities to accomplish that goal. And more specific goals produce a psychological blueprint, increasing the possibility of obtaining them.
#3. Evokes Mindfulness
We’re all familiar with this buzz word. Turns out happiness has a strong relationship with mindfulness.
Journaling puts you in that very state of mindfulness; future anxieties and past frustrations lose their impact in the current moment. It allows a wandering head to focus, from passivity to engaging with one’s thoughts actively.
#4. Inspires Creativity
We’re all creative in our own weird way. If you feel like you aren’t as creative as, let’s say a friend of yours, then you’re not alone.
Many of us think we’re not creative enough. But the truth is, we don’t do anything about the fact that we lack self-confidence. This is where keeping a journal comes in handy.
“Journaling about one positive experience you've had over the past 24 hours lets your brain relive it,” said Shawn Achor at a TED Talk Conference. The release of dopamine and endorphins will improve your mood, self-esteem, and creativity.
Keeping a journal means you can use it to write down whatever thoughts you have in mind. It doesn’t have to be meaningful. In fact, the crazier you can go with ideas, the better.
Let your imaginations wander to the deepest parts of your brain and photograph the journey in your head. Next, take a pen and paper and write them down line by line.
From professional journalists to essay writing service providers, experts recommend you to practice experimenting with different opportunities and possibilities to find the needed inspiration. Keeping a journal allows your creativity to flourish.
#5. Enhances Immune Function
You can either choose to believe it or say we’re bluffing, but science tells us that expressive journaling can strengthen one’s immunity and reduce the risk of illness.
People who journal have enhanced immune system functioning as it tends to strengthen immune cells. Besides, those who write regularly have reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
Expressive writing is also known to improve lung function and liver health, as well as fight certain diseases. Furthermore, it’s been reported that journaling helps a wounded person heal faster. Don’t just take our words for it; you can read the report yourself!
#6. Improves Emotional Functions
As writing habits are acquired, advantages become long-term. This means writers become more and more in harmony with their minds and health via connecting with inner desires and needs.
According to the experts at best essay writing, journaling helps them, as writers, remain present while maintaining perspective. It gives a better sense of self-identity and confidence and helps in handling personal change and adversity, and emphasize crucial patterns in life.
Expressive writing helps you develop more adaptive, structured, and integrated schemes about yourself, others, and the world. It unlocks and encourages right-brained creativity, allowing you to use your full brainpower. Journaling truly fosters growth in a number of ways!
#7. Helps You Stay Organized
Daily journaling helps in keeping your thoughts comprehensible and organized. You can record everyday events, thoughts, and feelings about certain opinions or experiences.
By creating journals specific to certain issues, you can archive and organize your thoughts even further. Journals can bring you back to that time you spent hiking, they can remind you of someone special, an idea you had, or a business you wanted to start.
Daily journaling can also guide you toward a healthier state of mind. Regardless of what you end up journaling about, keeping a journal allows you to sift through the jumble in your brain by organizing your thoughts into stories, memories, notes, lists, and more.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it; The 7 best life-changing benefits of daily journaling!
As you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be an expert writer or a creative journalist to keep a journal.
Regardless of what goals you have—to feel happier, think more, learn more, manage stress, or better adjust your daily actions with your goals and values—making time in your busy schedule to journal will help you reach that destination.
So, pick up the pen and start writing today!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share your thoughts and suggestions with us in the comments below.
Author bio: Isabell Gaylord is a professional content writer, journalist, and content marketing specialist with years of experience working with top-tier dissertation writing services. She specializes in such spheres as education, psychology, marketing, and business.
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